Hi John,
I’m Diana, an undocumented graduate student in California and an advocate for the AB 540 FAQ at California State University (CSU).
I immigrated to the U.S. by myself at 14 years old, not knowing how to speak English, so that I could pursue higher education and become a medical doctor one day. English was not the only language that I mastered. In the countless forms I’ve had to fill out and confusing processes and applications I’ve had to understand to go to college, I learned that even a single word can be life-changing for undocumented people. This is why I fought for the AB 540 FAQ.
Donate to bolster our efforts to break systemic barriers so undocumented students can pursue their dreams without limitations.
Even though tuition equity laws exist, many undocumented people cannot pursue higher education because of misinformation or uneven implementation. I am fortunate to have benefitted from such policies, despite it being a long, winding journey. Every win in improving access to affordable education enables more people to pursue their career aspirations and give back to their communities. I’m hopeful that they will have kinder journeys than me and those who came before me.
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Diana smiling at the camera while walking at her graduation
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The AB 540 FAQ campaign taught me that we are much more than the taxes we pay or the labor we contribute. The advocates I met — students, educators, and allies alike, often undocumented — proved that when we bring our humility and compassion into our work, we are building toward a future of inclusivity, justice, and opportunity. Not being born in the U.S. should not stop our pursuit of that.
Make a one-time or monthly contribution today toward a brighter future for everyone.
Making sure equity laws like AB 540 are implemented is just one small piece of the puzzle, and I am humbled to be a part of that work. I hope you will join me in shaping a future where everyone can pursue their dreams freely regardless of status.
Fighting together,
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Diana Aguilar Cruz
Immigrants Rising
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